Dennis Gaviola

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Fr. Raymund Benedict "RB" Hizon, SJ

Today’s readings hardly sound like “good news.” Worse, they seem precisely to describe the distressing things that have been happening not only in the country but in many places around the world: fierce temperatures, raging storms, rising seas, devastating earthquakes, rumbling volcanoes, domestic and community violence, wars and rumors of wars, corruption and scandal in places — high and low. Added to these already terrible things, the Lord issues yet another warning. He tells us further not to be deceived, “for many will come” in his name, saying, “I am he” and “The time has come.” “Do not follow them,” he insists.Indeed, various figures and forces have already been been vying for our attention and support, quite possibly using these very same “signs” to justify a claim that God somehow uses war and natural disasters to punish those who reject their teaching, ignore their warning and basically fail to advocate the agenda they espouse and the leaders they endorse.While the language and images may be unsettling, what Jesus tells his listeners and what Jesus tells us, even as he describes these dreadful events is: do not be afraid and also do not be quick to follow anyone who proclaims that these events could only be read as signs of God’s wrath and judgement. Instead, trust that God always remains faithful and present in our lives especially in the face of very difficult days.When the very things we are afraid of happen — and they probably will happen— we are encouraged not to be overcome by fear nor be swayed by those who may take advantage of our fear and promise fleeting respite and easy remedy. After all, Jesus never promised to spare us of suffering, nor did he ever promise lives only ever full of “blessings” which some misguidedly confuse and equate with comfort, privilege, power and plenty. On the contrary, he details the kind of troubles that his followers can expect to face: arrests, persecution, trials, betrayal by family and friends, hatred on account of his name, and even death. Those who follow Jesus may very well expect the same hostility that he endured as “an opportunity to give testimony,” “to testify” or “give witness” where he himself will provide strength and wisdom for the giving of such testimony. Assuring divine protection, Jesus tells those who follow him that not “a hair on their head will be destroyed.” Ultimately, their experience of persecution will not end in death but by “perseverance will secure their lives.”The point is, Jesus promises that those who follow him will never be left alone. He will be with them. Death will not be the end. Elsewhere in the Gospels, he says “I will be with you always until the end of the age”. As we hear Malachi proclaim in the first reading: there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays. We who suffer look forward eagerly to that day. Now, that is good news.Some points to ponder or think about in the coming days:1. Jesus tells us that suffering and persecution give us the opportunity to “give testimony” that is, “to testify” or “to give witness.” In these trying times, are there still people in government, civil society, in my community, in my own family and home who give hope; who are able to give humble, trustworthy and faithful witness? In my own way, can I be one such witness? Am I a source of hope for others?2. What am I most afraid of? Is it pain, failure, poverty, sickness? Whatever it is, can I trust the Lord when he tells me not to be afraid and to trust in him? What does trust in the Lord mean?3. Quite a number of protest gatherings and rallies are currently being organized by diverse and often opposing advocacy groups, am I inclined to participate in any of them? Why or why not? What do I stand for?

Today’s reflection explores how suffering and persecution can become opportunities to bear witness, remain steadfast, and find hope. Even in the face of trials, God’s presence is unwavering.

Today’s reflection explores how suffering and persecution can become opportunities to bear witness, remain steadfast, and find hope. Even in the face of trials, God’s presence is unwavering.

A Word on the Word: Amid trials and tribulation, trust in the Lord

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A Word on the Word: Amid trials and tribulation, trust in the Lord

Fr. Raymund Benedict "RB" Hizon,

SJ

Published November 16, 2025 08:00 AM PHT

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